Crying in Christchurch

I arrived in Christchurch late Wednesday evening with just one day to explore before classes begin. Christchurch has an extra special meaning to us as it is one of Adelaide's sister cities and we were taught at school that Colonel William Light designed the layout of both cities. That has recently been disproven and in fact I noticed that Wikipedia has removed it. You can read more about why here. I do know that Christchurch has seen our William Morris collection in its entirety at a special exhibition some years ago and I think to date it is the only city outside Australia that has had that privilege. Yesterday after I had delivered everything to my class I decided to head into the city to see some sights. I did not expect to feel so emotional at what I saw and it was the cathedral that resulted in spontaneous tears. It is over six years since the last devastating earthquake where sadly 185 people died, but there are many signs of renewal and growth. These were my first images and as you can see there are roadblocks and much construction in the heart of this brave city.......

 The street art is heartening and encouraging and is certainly visually pleasing amongst the ruin........

 But it was here behind these colourful facades that I felt it the most.........

and perched up there were the pigeons who have made themselves quite at home.........

 After phoning Larry for a much needed de-brief I found a quiet place for lunch opposite the newly refurbished Art Gallery, and there in the window was a perfect photo of staff setting up a display........

 This building also has a light installation that must look wonderful at night....it simply says "everything is going to be alright"..........

 A little further on I reached the Grand Hall of the also recently renovated Arts Centre. It was in here that there was one of several quilt exhibitions that I will share in a day or so as there are way too many photos! For now the outside..........

 and across the road the Museum and Botanical gardens full of gorgeous tulips.........

 Much of the city shopping centre was flattened and in its place pop up businesses in shipping containers........

 and even a bank..........

 Last night we attended the open ceremony and quilt awards in the spectacular Transitional Cardboard Cathedral. This temporary structure was designed by a Japanese architect Shigeru Ban who specialises in using recycled cardboard and the large cardboard tubes were easy to see........

 Their small garden had more tulips........

 So even today there were a few more tears as I started day one of five final days of teaching. During my lunch break I delivered an hour long Beatrix Potter lecture so more tears as reality set in that I am winding down this part of my life. Tonight I retreated early to my hotel room and ordered dinner in my room and I have to confess I am exhausted! So I hope with a good night's sleep I'll be back to my bubbly self again tomorrow. I will share all the wonderful quilt displays soon x